When Astrid Voxx was a kid, she wanted to play the drums. But she was told, “Girls don’t play the drums.” Today, not only does she play the drums, she also leads an all-female rock tribute band that proves women can do much more than just keep time—they can own the stage.
For Voxx, one of the biggest thrills still happens before a show.
“When I come in hauling the drums, and the men see me, they’re like, who’s that for?” says Voxx. But once the entire band has assembled, realization dawns. “Then they realize we’re not the girlfriends, we’re the band. For me, that’s a thrill. I love it.”
The Bango Bango’s was formed in 2016 with a mission that remains at the heart of the group today: celebrating women in rock music. Named after two of the most iconic all-female bands of all time, the Bangles and the Go-Go’s, the group was inspired by a Go-Go’s concert attended by Voxx’s daughter, Alexi.
After the show, Alexi was so excited that Voxx asked if she would ever want to be part of something similar. She said yes. Voxx began building the band, fulfilling a lifelong dream in the process. After turning 21, Alexi Go-Go officially joined the group.
Today, the Bango Bango’s features drummer Voxx, lead singer Go-Go, guitarist Lana Wise, and bassist Lenore Goldman. Together, they bring decades of musical experience and a diverse range of talents to the stage.
Voxx also plays guitar, has been singing since she was 5 years old, and toured with Jimmy Buffett. Wise is a sound technician who also plays piano and violin. Goldman began playing piano and drums in fourth grade before eventually picking up the bass.
Offstage, the women have developed a bond that feels more like family than coworkers. “They’re the sisters I never wanted,” jokes Wise. That camaraderie translates into an energetic stage presence that has become one of the band’s trademarks.
The Bango Bango’s perform an 80-song repertoire spanning female rock hits from the 1960s to today. While Go-Go serves as the primary lead vocalist, each member takes center stage throughout the performance, allowing audiences to experience the full range of talent within the group.
Voxx’s expressive vocals shine through songs by Tina Turner, Four Non Blondes, the Cranberries, Sheryl Crow, and Fleetwood Mac. Go-Go takes the lead on favorites by No Doubt, the Go-Go’s, the B-52s, and Cyndi Lauper. Wise’s powerful, rock-forward voice is featured on songs by Pink, Joan Jett, Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne, and the Bangles. Goldman leads a crowd-pleasing rendition of Nancy Sinatra’s classic “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”
The result is a high-energy show that pays tribute to generations of female artists while keeping audiences singing and dancing from start to finish.
“We always have fun,” says Voxx, a statement that becomes obvious within minutes of watching the band perform.
“No matter how tired or sick we may be, when we get up on that stage, it all goes away and we manage to have fun,” adds Go-Go.
Part of that fun comes from the band’s willingness to bring the show directly to the audience. Thanks to wireless equipment, members often leave the stage mid-song and weave through the crowd, instruments in hand, turning spectators into participants.
Their engaging performances have landed them at a wide variety of venues, including country clubs, bars, theaters, festivals, and community events throughout Florida. The band currently performs between four and six shows each month and has appeared at the Wellington Amphitheater, the Miami-Dade Youth Fair, Galuppi’s, the Ritz Theater in Sanford, and Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale.
“Marina 84 is one of the first venues that saw our potential,” says Voxx. “They gave us a shot, and we proved that we can do it.”
As one of the few all-female bands in the region, the Bango Bango’s have also been invited to perform at events that carry a deeper sense of purpose, including a fundraiser for Leap for Ladies, a Miami-based nonprofit dedicated to helping incarcerated women rebuild their lives.
“It was very emotional listening to their speeches,” says Go-Go. “We got to listen to all the women talk about how their lives were changed for the better.” Those experiences—ranging from packed bars and festivals to meaningful community events—reflect the band’s wide-ranging spirit both on and off stage.
Their unofficial motto, coined by Goldman, perfectly captures the energy of the band: “Any excuse for a party.”
Whether they’re performing during the NBA Finals, the World Cup, Father’s Day, a birthday celebration, or a holiday weekend, the Bango Bango’s find a way to turn every event into a celebration.
For Voxx, however, the band’s mission extends beyond entertainment. “Having an all-female band is very dear to my heart,” she says. “There’s not too many of us.”
“I’ve seen a few other all-female bands, but we’re the only ones who pay tribute to women in music,” says Wise. “Our primary focus is women in rock.”
“It’s a platform for women to hear their voices, and to know that little girls can play instruments,” says Voxx. “And be rock stars,” adds Go-Go.
The group takes particular pride in the example it sets for younger audiences.
“We’re role models,” says Voxx. “When we play up in Wellington, it’s a thrill for all of us to see the little girls wide-eyed actually seeing we’re playing instruments.”
“For me, the most touching part is when I see little boys enjoying our performance,” says Go-Go. “It teaches boys to be respectful and recognize that women can do everything they can do.”
Behind the scenes, the band members credit much of their success to the support systems that make their busy schedules possible.
“We’re very lucky that we have very supportive spouses,” says Voxx of herself, Wise, and Goldman. “That’s very important and makes or breaks a band.”
Wise’s husband, who is also a musician, serves as the band’s sound technician and is a familiar face at performances, cheering them on while capturing photos and videos.
Looking ahead, Voxx is writing original material she hopes to eventually incorporate into the band’s performances. The group would also like to expand into larger venues and new markets, including Orlando and Florida’s west coast. Still, Voxx believes the tribute aspect of the band remains essential.
“As a fan, as an audience member, I always wanted to see this,” says Voxx. “Female musicians doing a tribute to our voices and our inspirations.”
The Bango Bango’s upcoming shows include July 11 at Luv’n Oven in Sunrise, July 1 at Packy’s Sports Pub in Lighthouse Point, and July 31 at Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit thebangobangos.com.